Chicago's Ratboys have released a new song from their upcoming album, 'Singin' to an Empty Chair', titled 'Anywhere'. The track is infused with the anxious restlessness of yearning, bolstered by its twangy power-pop energy and rumbling drums. Julia Steiner's powerful vocals deliver the emotional lyrics: "I can't relax now/I can't, you're gone/But when you're back/I'm going anywhere/That you're going."
To accompany the release, a heartwarming music video was released, showcasing a man bonding with his beloved pet - a goldfish. The duo is seen enjoying diner breakfasts together, reading in the park, and taking a dip on Lake Michigan's shores to take in the Chicago skyline.
The song draws inspiration from guitarist Dave Sagan's family dog, whose anxious attachment style has captured Steiner's attention. "Whenever Dave's mom leaves the room, oh man, his whole world just falls apart," she noted. This sentiment resonates with many listeners, as Steiner believes that the experience of making this record has given her hope for the future.
'Singin' to an Empty Chair' is set to be released on February 6, 2026, and was written and recorded at a cabin in Wisconsin's Driftless Area, as well as sessions at Electrical Audio in Chicago and Rosebud Studio in Evanston. The album will be co-produced by Chris Walla, who also handled their previous record 'The Window'.
Steiner aims to document her experience of being estranged from a close loved one through this new record. She wants to bridge the gap between them and reach out for connection. "A big, overarching theme of this record is my attempt to update this person on what's been going on in my life," she explained.
While 'Singin' to an Empty Chair' may have a melancholic tone, Steiner notes that it also brings hope for the future. The album will be released with a North American tour, kicking off February 25th in Detroit and wrapping up April 18th with a hometown show in Chicago.
As the release of 'Anywhere' highlights, Ratboys are once again delivering emotionally charged indie rock, accompanied by infectious melodies that capture their signature power-pop energy.
To accompany the release, a heartwarming music video was released, showcasing a man bonding with his beloved pet - a goldfish. The duo is seen enjoying diner breakfasts together, reading in the park, and taking a dip on Lake Michigan's shores to take in the Chicago skyline.
The song draws inspiration from guitarist Dave Sagan's family dog, whose anxious attachment style has captured Steiner's attention. "Whenever Dave's mom leaves the room, oh man, his whole world just falls apart," she noted. This sentiment resonates with many listeners, as Steiner believes that the experience of making this record has given her hope for the future.
'Singin' to an Empty Chair' is set to be released on February 6, 2026, and was written and recorded at a cabin in Wisconsin's Driftless Area, as well as sessions at Electrical Audio in Chicago and Rosebud Studio in Evanston. The album will be co-produced by Chris Walla, who also handled their previous record 'The Window'.
Steiner aims to document her experience of being estranged from a close loved one through this new record. She wants to bridge the gap between them and reach out for connection. "A big, overarching theme of this record is my attempt to update this person on what's been going on in my life," she explained.
While 'Singin' to an Empty Chair' may have a melancholic tone, Steiner notes that it also brings hope for the future. The album will be released with a North American tour, kicking off February 25th in Detroit and wrapping up April 18th with a hometown show in Chicago.
As the release of 'Anywhere' highlights, Ratboys are once again delivering emotionally charged indie rock, accompanied by infectious melodies that capture their signature power-pop energy.
u know how they say "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down"? well what if we took that to the next level and made a cake with activated charcoal powder? like, it'd be so cool! think about it, you could have this whole 'mysterious' vibe going on while eating your fave dessert 
i've been meaning to try out that stuff anyway...
but at the same time, there's this hope for the future that's just so inspiring 
i love how the music video is also super sweet, showing Julia bonding with her dog 
... anyway, if u haven't listened to 'anywhere' yet, u gotta check it out! 
! Julia Steiner's vocals are insane on this one - I feel like she's literally pouring her heart out. And can we talk about how adorable the music video is? The bond between Dave and his goldfish is giving me all the feels 
. I love how Ratboys are tackling tough topics like being estranged from a loved one, but still managing to infuse it with hope for the future. Can't wait to dive into their new album 'Singin' to an Empty Chair' in Feb 2026 
and also, chris walla co-producin' that's like, the ultimate power-pop dream team 
it's amazing how they managed to convey Julia Steiner's emotional lyrics through the visuals, especially with the bonding scenes between her and the goldfish 
. i love how the song itself has that twangy power-pop energy - it's so catchy! 
and I'm still trying to get used to my phone's autocorrect 
. So like, have you ever noticed how some songs can just evoke such strong emotions? Like, I was listening to this song 'Anywhere' by Ratboys and it totally made me think of my own grandma... anyway back to the song 
. I love that they're talking about being anxious and stuff, but at the same time it's so uplifting? And that music video with the goldfish is just too cute 
Anywayz, this song 'Anywhere' is kinda growin on me... The guitar riffs are pretty catchy & Julia Steiner's vocals are insane! 
But you know what's even more chill? Watchin a dude hang out with his goldfish in the park while makin a music video 
I'm not mad at that. And omg, their next album 'Singin' to an Empty Chair' is gonna be so good! Chris Walla co-producin it's like the icing on the cake 
Can't wait for the tour in Feb 2026 
The fact that Dave Sagan's family dog inspired this song is just too cute 
. I'm definitely going to be tuning in for the North American tour, especially since they're coming to Chicago in April!
. The way Dave Sagan's family dog inspired her songwriting is so cool 
The way Julia Steiner pours her heart out in those lyrics is just beautiful